The MBO Method

Management Buy-out

Purchase of a business by its own management:

Summary of the MBO Method. Abstract

Essentially, a management buy-out
(MBO) is the purchase of a business by its existing management, usually
in cooperation with outside financiers. Buy-outs vary in size, scope and
complexity but the key feature is that the managers acquire an equity
interest in their business, sometimes a controlling stake, for a
relatively modest personal investment. The existing owners normally sell
most or usually all of their investment to the managers and their
co-investors. Often the group of
managers involved establish a new holding company, which then
effectively purchases the shares of the target company.

Typical reasons
for the purchase of a business by its existing management include:

Certain parts of an organization
are no longer seen as a
core competence / no
core activity by its parent company

A company is
in financial distress and 'needs the cash'

Parts of
acquisitions that are not wanted

In case of a
family business: succession issues through retirement of the
owner

The
management team stand to gain independence and autonomy,
a chance to influence the strategy and future direction of
the company and the prospect of a capital gain.

Attractiveness of
the
Management buy-out approach to a seller?

Speed
– An MBO can be much quicker than a trade sale.

Strategic
considerations – For example the selling party may not wish
competitors to acquire control.

Confidentiality – The selling party may not wish to let
competitors have access to sensitive information that would be
disclosed during a trade sale process.

Familiarity - With an MBO the selling party can continue to deal
with a management team with whom it has an established relationship.